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Do you want to know how to do wax depilation at home and master the technique thoroughly? There is nothing easier! Read this article and follow the instructions in it.
Wax hair removal: features of the procedure
If you compare waxing with other methods of getting rid of vegetation, then it has several obvious advantages:
hair is removed from the root, which provides instant and long-lasting smoothness of the skin, which lasts for two to three weeks (depending on individual characteristics);
over time, if the procedure is carried out regularly, the hairs grow thinner and weaker;
hairs are removed not one at a time, as is the case when using a mechanical epilator, but in large sections, which means that the process takes less time and causes much less pain.
But waxing has its own nuances, and it is important to consider them before deciding to wax at home.
Compliance with the rules and safety precautions will help reduce pain, avoid microtrauma, burns, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs later.
How to use depilatory wax
Waxing at home is a doable task. Of course, a professional will do better with waxing, because it is not always convenient to remove hair on your own body, since access to some areas (for example, the back of the legs) is limited. But with a certain amount of patience, it can be done. Wax is sold in jars, cassettes and strips. There are more liquid and solid varieties. Whichever option you choose, there are general unbreakable rules to remember.
Wax is applied in the direction of hair growth.
Wax hairs are removed strictly against the direction of hair growth, and it is important to do this in one sharp and precise movement, in no case pull the strip up, otherwise you can injure the skin.
Removing hair with wax requires skill and practice, do not immediately treat large areas.
Even if it was not possible to cleanly depilate the first time, it is impossible to wax the same area several times in a row, you will have to postpone the next attempt for another day, otherwise skin microtrauma cannot be avoided.
Do not overheat the wax to avoid burns, it should become liquid, but remain plastic and not drain from the spatula. If the wax is too thin and difficult to scoop up, then it has overheated and you need to wait until it thickens. On the other hand, if the wax does not melt to the desired consistency, a texture that is too thick will not spread well over the surface of the skin, which threatens with painful sensations and poor-quality results. To accurately observe the temperature regime when depilating hair at home, it makes sense to purchase a special device – a wax melter.
Primary waxing at home (and in the salon too) is effective with a hair length of 7-10 mm, with subsequent sessions – 4-6 mm.
Now we will tell you how to use wax for depilation, depending on its variety.
Wax of different formats is used for depilation
Hot wax
Hard wax is available in the form of discs, briquettes or granules. Its melting point is 55 degrees. Its peculiarity lies in its thick consistency and the ability to form a plastic film that tightly covers the hairs. Usually in salons hot wax is used for depilation of thick and coarse hair, in particular in the bikini area. At home, you must strictly observe safety precautions so as not to burn the skin.
Wax is heated in a wax melter to a liquid state, but you can use a microwave or a water bath by placing it in a heat-resistant dish. Hot wax is applied with a spatula on a small area of skin and wait 12-15 seconds – so that it hardens a little, but has not yet lost its plasticity. Remove without the use of paper or woven strips.
Warm wax
Warm wax is usually available in special roll-on cartridges, but sometimes also in jars. It is heated in a wax maker or microwave. The operating temperature is about 40 degrees, that is, comfortable. Such wax (especially if it is a cartridge with a roller applicator) is quite convenient for depilation at home, since it can be used to immediately treat large areas – legs, arms. It is applied in a very thin layer and cools immediately, so it is important to quickly stick a paper or woven strip over the waxed area, press and smooth it with the palm of your hand, and then (with courage) remove it with one clear movement of the hand.
Cold wax
Represents ready-made strips-plasters, is the most convenient and safe option for wax depilation at home. All you need to do is warm up the strips in your hands, stick them to your skin and remove them. True, this method is not universal, obviously inferior to professional waxes, since it does not always cope with thick and coarse hair. But if they are thin and rare, you can give cold wax a chance.
Film wax
This variety works on the principle of hot wax, but has a lower melting point (37-40 degrees), is produced in granules and eliminates burns (of course, if it is not overheated). Due to the content of oils in the composition, it captures only hairs without sticking to the skin. Hardening, retains its plasticity, does not break. Able to “catch” even short hairs 1 mm long. Another feature of film wax is that it can be applied in any direction, even against hair growth.
How to do waxing at home
We tell you step by step how to do waxing at home correctly.
Preparation of instruments and wax
The main thing that is needed for waxing (not counting the fortitude) is, in fact, wax, as well as wax (if it is not there, then, as we have already said, you can use a water bath or microwave). You will also need:
degreasing lotion;
talc;
sedative after depilation;
wooden spatula (if you use canned or hot hair);
strips (napkins) of paper or cloth to remove wax (if you use warm wax in a cartridge or jar).
You will not need the last two points, as well as heating systems, if you use cold wax (see above).
Preparing the skin for depilation
The skin must be clean and dry. How to degrease the skin before depilation? Ideally, a special lotion with an alcohol content (no more than 20%). If it is not, then you can simply clean the area with soap and warm water, wipe dry. Or use a facial toner.
Before applying wax, you need to sprinkle the skin with talcum powder – this will ensure high-quality adhesion of the wax to the hairs, and also protect the skin a little.
Wax during depilation is removed against hair growth.
Depilation
Heat the wax to a liquid state – the consistency should resemble thick cream or flowing honey.
Test the temperature of the wax on a small area of skin.
Apply wax in a thin layer in the direction of hair growth – with a roller built into the cartridge or with a spatula. When using canned wax, you need to dip the spatula into the container, then remove the excess by wiping one side on the edge of the can. When applying wax to the skin, the spatula should be held perpendicular to the work surface. If using hot wax, make a short application (no more than 10 cm). When using warm wax, the area can be increased, make sure that it matches the size of the strip.
Hot Wax Removal: Grab the wax strip by the ponytail and remove with a sharp motion against hair growth.
Removing warm wax: Immediately after application, glue a paper or cloth napkin to the wax. Remove with a firm motion against hair growth.
Immediately attach your palm to the epilated area – this will relieve unpleasant painful sensations.
Skin treatment after the procedure
How to take care of your skin after waxing?
So, we will assume that you already know how to properly remove hair with wax, now you need to figure out how to care for your skin after the procedure.
Within 24 hours, you should not wet the treated area and tighten it with tight clothes – the skin after the removal of vegetation is always a little irritated, and tissue friction can aggravate the situation.
The next day after the procedure, you can start using moisturizing and regenerating products with a light texture: lotion, milk, gel.
When the skin finally calms down (after 2-3 days), you can start exfoliating activities. Exfoliating regularly (once or twice a week) will help prevent one of the biggest problems that comes with waxing – ingrown hairs.
Introducing Healthy-Food’s best selection of body scrubs for anyone waxing at home or in the salon.
Body Scrub “Precious Beauty Scrub”, Garnier
Cupuaçu seed scrub enriched with macadamia, almond, shea and rose oils gently exfoliates dead skin cells, nourishing and softening it. And besides, it has a very pleasant aroma.
Body Scrub Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish, Kiehl’s
Thanks to its creamy texture, the product with fine scrubbing particles and fragrant honey in the composition gently polishes the skin, making it smooth and soft.
Summary results
All about waxing at home in questions and answers.
What wax is better to use for home depilation?
The most practical option is cold wax in strips. It does not need to be preheated (it is enough to hold it in the palms of your hands), you will not need to mess with additional materials either. Its use is advisable if the hair is thin and weak, as well as for beginners. With dense and strong vegetation, cold wax may not be able to cope. Then you should try the universal, in our opinion, option – warm wax, which is available in cartridges (the most practical form) and cans. For this variety, you will have to purchase strips with which the wax is removed from the surface. For coarse hair and small sensitive areas of the body (bikini, armpits), hot wax is ideal, especially film wax. No special tools are needed to remove hot wax.
What are the basic rules for waxing?
Working with wax at home is not too difficult, though not all areas are convenient to depilate with your own hands. The main rule is to prepare the wax, that is, heat it up to the optimum temperature so that, on the one hand, it does not burn, on the other hand, it is easily and evenly distributed over the surface. According to the rules, wax is applied in the direction of hair growth, and removed in the opposite direction. It is important to do this abruptly, in one fell swoop, then the procedure will be as painless as possible.
What do you need for home waxing?
When doing waxing on your own, you will have to acquire the appropriate equipment: wax (jar, cartridge, granules, discs), wax melter (an ideal device for heating wax to the desired temperature), a wooden spatula and napkins to remove wax. Also, a special degreasing lotion will not interfere.
What care products to use after waxing
A moisturizing milk or light oil (preferably specially formulated for this purpose) and a body scrub will come in handy – regular exfoliation between waxing sessions will help prevent ingrown hairs and related troubles.